First Home Checklist: 12 Overlooked Essentials Every New Homeowner Needs

Checking off a wish list and purchasing a house is no less than a triumph. It might be your first or eighth home. Before popping open a bottle of champagne, it’s best to tick off a few things you might not have realised.

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You might have packed your boxes full of clothes and sorted out the furniture. Maybe even remember to change the addresses on all your bills and magazines. But once the keys are in your hand, you might realise there are many things no one ever mentioned or even noticed.

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To make moving in even smoother, the list below highlights items that often get forgotten. Skip the basics—this is your guide to the 12 most overlooked essentials for making your home comfortable, liveable and ready for anything.

1. Door Dash Stopper

This might not look essential except during the winter season. However, it is useful year round. It helps with creaking and opening new doors. It prevents slams and keeps your room warm. It will also block bugs or any outside noise, especially if you live near a busy road.

Why would you remember this? It’s one of those tiny comforts that make your home cosier, and it will also save you money on heating costs.

2. Survival Kit for Power Outages

Moving to a new home, power outages can happen. This might seem old-fashioned, but it’s better safe than sorry. Every homeowner should keep a go bag of emergency supplies. This could include candles or a rechargeable torch, some protein bars, a battery charger or power bank for your phone, and a manual can opener (it might seem silly, but these items matter more than you think).​

Tip: Store and label the kit beneath the stairs or under the kitchen sink. It will always be easy to find.

3. Kitchen and bathroom sink strainer

You can call the strainers the unsung heroes of plumbing. It is so easy for the bathroom or kitchen pipe to get clogged with hair, food bits, or even coffee grounds. Strainers will help to reduce any extra costs on plumbing (let’s face it, it's not as cheap as before to call out a plumber).

Why does this matter: prevention is always better than seeking a plumber, especially when you’re just settling into a new home budget.

4. Wall Repair Kit

New homeowners tend to hang photos, paintings, mirrors, and more. If it's not suitable in a place, you might change it, and you will realize that the nail will leave a mark. Therefore, having a mini wall repair kit will be a big bonus for your preparedness. The kit should contain a filler, sandpaper, and a small putty knife, which will save you from patchy walls.

Why would this matter? You will use it much more than expected, since you are decorating your house for the first time.

5. A high-quality step stool

This might sound so random, but no, not really. You will realize how tall the storage spaces, such as cupboards in the kitchen, bedrooms, hanging curtains, or changing bulbs. A durable step stool (preferably a folding stool) makes routine activities easier and safer than balancing on one chair.

The reason that counts: It is one of the secret heroes that will become a lifelong companion that will be used frequently than you expect.

6. Appliances manual folder and warranty cards

Keeping all your appliance’s manuals and warranty cards in a waterproof container will help you check on how to start and reset the machines if everything is working correctly.

Reasons to have this in mind: You will be thankful for this when you see the washing machine or AC with a mystery code.

7. Camera for Doorbell and Peepholes

Always be secure, you have seen people taking out packages from the front door, or just to make sure who is at the door. Get a wide-angle peephole or doorbell camera to make sure it is an affordable upgrade that adds peace of mind, especially if you live alone or work late hours.

8. A multi-surface cleaning kit

Stainless steel, tiles, wood, and glass each need a specific product. Invest in a multi-surface cleaning kit with microfiber clothes and eco-friendly solutions. This will save time, and effort, keeping your surface clean and well-maintained.

​9. Wall and floor protectors

Moving the furniture might cause scratches, dents, or damage on walls or floors. Therefore, the floor and wall protectors will become lifesavers, especially if you are going to a hardwood floors house.

Pro Tip: Get felt pads underneath the furniture; they will help reduce noise in flats or any shared spaces.

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10. First aids

Moving to a new house: accidents happen—burns, scratches, paper cuts. Keep a first aid kit stocked with antiseptic, wipes, bandages, plasters, and pain killers. You will be thankful the first time you nick your finger or hand assembling furniture.

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11. Winter blankets and smoke alarm batteries

Many homes have alarms installed, but a few check on batteries or a fire blanket nearby. In the kitchen, a small fire could happen. Replace smoke detectors every six months and run quick tests regularly.

Pro tip: If there is room, place a small fire extinguisher close to the kitchen. Safety comes first!

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12. A quiet corner setup

This might be less practical and more sentimental. It will be daunting when you first move in. Set up a little more for yourself and furnish it with a comfortable chair, dim lighting, a blanket, and perhaps a plant.​

Quick tip: Moving is stressful, but having your own small space will help you relax and feel grounded at your new home.

​Bonus tip: Sticky hooks and cable organiser

A corner mixed with wires looks cluttered and untidy, a clutter-free look instantly cleanses your home and makes your home look finished. Keep your cords, chargers, and cables out of sight.

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Moving into your first home can be exciting but also tiring, and you might overlook small, detailed things that truly make your house feel like home. From door stoppers to sealant tape, they really improve comfort, cleanliness, and ease of daily living.​

You’ll be well ahead of most first-time homeowners if you check this list before you load another basket at the home shop.